- U.S. CENTCOM Commander, General Michael Kurilla, recently visited Pakistan to strengthen defense ties and cooperation amid escalating U.S. military deployment aimed at countering Iran’s influence.
- In response to Iran’s recent hostile activities, including attempts to seize commercial vessels, the U.S. has escalated its military presence in the CENTCOM region with assets such as the ARG/MEU, F-35s, F-16s, and a guided missile destroyer.
- The U.S. Navy has successfully thwarted multiple Iranian attempts to seize commercial tankers, emphasizing its commitment to upholding freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of commercial routes in strategic waterways.
Days after the US Secretary of Defense approved the deployment of an Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) into the CENTCOM area of responsibility, in addition to the recently approved forces comprising F-35s, F-16s, and a guided missile destroyer, to counter Iran’s influence, US CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla arrived Pakistan apparently in a bid to enhance military cooperation.
“ General Michael Kurila called on Pakistan Army chief General Syed Asim Munir to discuss matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and defense cooperation,” a press note issued by the media wing of Pakistan Army stated on Monday.
Both reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations in all fields” between Pakistan and the US.
The CENTCOM chief spoke highly of Pakistan Army’s achievement against militancy and terrorism.
“The visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s successes in the fight against terrorism and Pakistan’s continued efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region,” stated the press note issued to media by the military wing of Pakistan Army.
US CENTCOM chief’s visit to Pakistan came on the heels of America’s attempt to pile pressure on Iran.
In response to recent attempts by Iran to seize commercial ships in the CENTCOM area of operations, the Secretary of Defense has ordered the deployment of an Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) into the CENTCOM area of responsibility, in addition to the recently approved forces comprising F-35s, F-16s, and a guided missile destroyer, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116). The ARG/MEU brings additional aviation, maritime assets, and U.S. Marines, providing even greater flexibility and maritime capability in the region.
In the past two years, Iran has attacked, seized, or attempted seizure of nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels in the CENTCOM area of operations.
“U.S. Central Command is committed to defending freedom of navigation within our area of responsibility which includes some of the most important waterways in the world,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, Commander U.S. Central Command. “These additional forces provide unique capabilities, which alongside our partner’s nations in the region, further safeguard the free flow of international commerce and uphold the rules-based international order, and deter Iranian destabilizing activities in the region.”
In a three-day visit to Islamabad from December 14-16, last year, General Michael E. Kurilla, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander, engaged in crucial meetings with top Pakistani military figures, including a troop review, and deliberations on bilateral security cooperation and strategies to enhance regional stability. His meetings with the Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, served to reassert a shared commitment to partnership and collaborative tackling of security challenges.
In addition, Kurilla examined the security conditions along the Afghanistan border during his trip to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The United States, with its 75-year-long relationship with Pakistan, demonstrated its continued partnership by providing over $97 million this year to aid flood relief efforts, ensure food security, and bolster disaster preparedness. As Pakistan continues to navigate the aftermath of the flooding, it can rely on unwavering support from the U.S.
Earlier this month, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) seized a commercial ship in international waters in the Gulf on July 6, the U.S. Navy said, adding that the vessel was possibly involved in smuggling activity.
“U.S. naval forces deployed maritime assets to closely monitor the situation,” U.S. Fifth Fleet spokesman Commander Tim Hawkins said.
The Navy’s central command “assessed the circumstances of this event did not warrant further response,” he added.
The U.S. Navy said on July 5 that it had intervened to prevent Iran from seizing two commercial tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
It said that, in both cases, the Iranian naval vessels backed off after the U.S. Navy responded to distress signals, and that both commercial ships continued their voyages.
“The Iranian Navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers lawfully transiting international waters,” said Hawkins. “The U.S. Navy responded immediately and prevented those seizures.”